Effort Aimed At Removing Prosecutor Who Handled Cobb Case

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A year after white supremacist Craig Cobb was released from jail on probation, an effort is underway to remove the prosecutor some blame for setting him free.

Leith media relations coordinator Greg Bruce is leading a petition drive aimed at encouraging the Grant County Commission to fire State's Attorney Todd Schwarz. Listed reasons include Schwarz's handling of the Cobb case.

Cobb unsuccessfully tried to turn Leith into an Aryan enclave. He was arrested for terrorizing and ended up on probation. Bruce and some city officials including the mayor wanted Cobb to serve prison time.

Bruce acknowledges that the petition has no force of law but says he hopes it will convince the County Commission to fire Schwarz.

Schwarz has defended his work in the Cobb case.